Living With Great Style

As I ease back into work, I’ve been searching for ways to get inspired. While we have places right at our finger tips online – like Pinterest – that we can go to every single day, there are also amazing other sources off line as well.

Recently I’ve been slowly going through all of my magazines and books. It’s incredible how opening them back up can bring a whole new level of inspiration for my own home and projects. One source of inspiration that I wanted to share with all of you was from Malene Birger. Her two books (Life and Work & Move and Work) are constantly bringing me loads of inspiration. The way she pulls together patterns, neutrals, and old and new is something I’m in awe over. I find myself reaching for them on a weekly basis. If you haven’t seen them, they are a must read.

So, I’d love to know – where are you finding your inspiration lately? Is it a book? A certain magazine? Somewhere online? Please share because I’m constantly looking for new ways to get ideas.

The New Year brings on a frenzy to do, including a massive clean out of closets with several trips to goodwill. I’ve been doing that the past week, but now I have an itch to do a bit of redecorating around the house to start off 2015. First order of business was to pull inspiration – I’m drawn to the all white, cozy rugs and endless unique pillows from all of these images. From there I put together a list of several things I’m on the hunt for – a few rugs, throw pillows, a wing-back chair and more.

One of my first stops is always Chairish – you never know what unique items you can find on their site. One client bought a pair of chairs from Chairish for $200 (they were meant to be completely redone) and reupholstered them in a stunning fabric. The chairs are now the highlight of their family room. I’m mostly looking for items to make my home feel a little more cozy these winter months. I pulled together a few of my favorites (above) that I’d love to add to my house.

I sometimes find myself working on a client project and when it comes time to source side tales, it can be challenging. Finding the perfect side table is like picking out the perfect handbag for an outfit. There are so many factors to consider – do you do vintage? new? modern? traditional? Of course, it all depends on the style of the home, but since I’m constantly on the hunt I thought I’d share one of my top resources with you.

Recently while I’ve been hunting for side tables for clients, I’ve found the majority of them on Chairish. I pulled together a few of my favorites to share with all of you. You could put each one of these in any room in your home.

It has been quite a whirlwind around the office these days working on fun and exciting projects. I wanted to pop in to show you a little inspiration that I have going on for a recent project. As you all know, I love blues – these are some of the beautiful fabrics I acquired in Istanbul in February. I can’t wait to see how we end up using them in this project.

More project updates will be coming to the blog. I thought I should start sharing inspiration and details here with all of you!

Reflecting on the past is the perfect way to help you get to a better tomorrow. Every year I look back and think about the past year and all that I’ve accomplished and overcome – the good and hard times. A new year brings a clean slate and a new path to follow. I think that writing down resolutions for the year is a great way to start your year off right for your personal growth. With that being said, here are my goals for 2014.

Unplug.

This is something I need to embrace. I think owning and running your own company you think you need to be on 24/7, truth be told, you don’t. It’s important to take time away, get inspired, and rejuvenate your soul so that you can be focused when you are working. During the holidays, I did just that and it was incredible.

Continue to Travel Near and Far.

I’ve been a traveler since a very young age. My parents traveled for work and I would tag ago. They thought seeing the world was far more educational than missing a few weeks of school every year. With that being said, I love traveling. This year, there are already a plethora of trips planned. I’ll be going to a continent I’ve never been to, which in my eyes is quite exciting.

Read more novels.

Next to my nightstand I have piles of books waiting to be read, but somehow I can never find the time to pick them up. This year I’m carving out time to sit on my sofa with a cup of tea to enjoy them. No more laptop in bed. I’ll be picking up one of my many books instead! I’ve got no excuses, it needs to happen.

Take a photography course.

When I was seven years old I remember taking an incredible trip with my family to the Arctic Circle. I was fascinated by the images the head photographer was taking. I followed him around the entire trip getting tips, looking through his lens, and learning a few tips. From that day forward I’ve always had a love for photography. It’s time to take a few classes to grow this passion.

Quality versus quantity.

This was actually a resolution I made last year to myself but I’m carrying it into this year. I made a deal with myself that I wouldn’t go buying trendy items, or items that I would only want for one season – instead I would save and purchase classic pieces that would last me several years. I have pieces in my wardrobe from high school and college that I still wear and adore because my mom taught me that classic and quality pieces are way better than clothes that only last a few months.

Keep dreaming and take risks.

Last year was my first year being completely freelance – it was amazing! I’ve never looked back. I have to say, 2013 was beyond what I even expected of myself and the business. With a new year and a blank slate I can’t wait to see what happens in 2014. This year I can’t wait to dream even bigger, take risks, and grow Sacramento Street and Caitlin Flemming Design. If you don’t dream big and take leaps it’ll never happen, right?